Osaka

We didn't spend a lot of time in Osaka, mainly commuting to Koyasan and Nara.
This of course is the aquarium. Good but not fantastic. I expected more. 

Shibecha

Those elusive cranes, the whole reason for this excursion, 
and we saw them. Well these two, from the train.

Lunch on the return trip, eagerly anticipated.

Me, I'll be happy with a cigarette and a Manga.

Kushiro

Kushiro, over on the Pacific coast. Not quite as cold as the Sea of Japan
coast...they say! Excellent fishing here, which goes without saying.

Raw like sushi. Some Fugu here...

Ah blessed be thy sashimi and miso breakfast.
M~ said...Ah, there is a Buddha after all.

Otaru

Swim anyone?

Otaru's famous canal. Otaru was Hokkaido's first port.

A seaside paradise, no? This yacht was apparently
owned by a famous local entertainer, a crooner.

Let's have lunch here and get out of the cold.